Krunal Pandya dedicated his maiden ODI half-century to his late father.
WATCH: Hardik Pandya posts heartfelt message on Krunal's 30th birthday
During the mid-innings interview, the southpaw could not hold back tears as he dedicated his maiden ODI half-century to his father, who passed away earlier this year due to a cardiac arrest.
Later, Krunal also claimed a wicket as the hosts won the game by a comprehensive margin of 66 runs.
After the match, Krunal shared his pain and sense of satisfaction while speaking with younger brother Hardik Pandya for bcci.tv.
“Our father passed away in the early morning on January 16 and that day I was playing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match in Vadodara. He was supposed to come to watch the match and he had kept his backpack ready with his clothes, shoes, and hat. So when I got to play my debut match here in Pune, I took that bag along with me to the dressing room. So that he could be here while I was playing,” Krunal said.
“This was the first time our father was in the dressing room with us while you made your debut and he will always be with us,” said Hardik, who handed Krunal his maiden ODI cap earlier in the day.
Talking about the feeling of donning an India jersey, Krunal said: “Dreams come true. I have worked so hard to be here. Especially in the last one and half months, I have put so much hard work. Not just in terms of cricket but everything. From taking care of my diet, fitness and everything. All is dedicated to the old man (their father). His blessings are there. It was an emotional moment for you and me. Getting cap from you and somewhere down the line, up there he must be having a good night there. He must be happy the way I batted. So I think this is all for him.”
The second ODI between India and England will be played in Pune on Friday (March 26).